Well equipment



Oct. 12, 1937. s. v. DILLoN 2,095,244

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Patented Oct. 12, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE WELL EQUIPMENT Stephen V. Dillon, Tulsa, Okla.

Application. June 21, 1935, Serial No. 27,788 1 Claim. (C1. 16s- 12) This invention relates to improvements in well equipmentl designed especially for locking a well string in a well and for utilizing and obstructing the space between the well string and bore of a well.

One of the primary objects of the invention is to provide improved packing means compris' ing a source of pressure fluid arranged in close proximity to an expansible element, for theJ purpose of inflating such element after the packing means has been introduced by the well string into the well, to obstruct the space between the well string and the bore of the well.

Anotherobject is to furnish means for such purpose comprising a device for controlling the inflation and deiiation of the expansible element by movement of the Well string relatively to the expansible element.

A further object is to supply packing means of duplex character so that o ne expansible ele, ment may be positioned on the well string above an oil-bearing or gas-producing strata and another may be positioned below said strata.

. A still further object is to provide a device of Y the aforementioned kind combined with novel means ,for controlling the admission of uids into and the .discharge of iluids out of a tubular section of the well string.

' Another object is to supply a new combination 30 of oil well equipment elements including va well 4string stop, lock and packing means, all of which may be operatively connected and controlled by movement of the well string relatively to the bore of the well. y

A still further object is to furnish a combined well string stop and lock both arranged on the well string and operatively connected to one another; with a novel anchor positioned on the string below the stop.

Another object-is to supply well equipment comprising a pair of expansible packing elements designed to be positioned above and below an oil or gas producing strata, in combination with a lock to prevent'fupward movement vof the well 5- string while acid or other treatingv .mediums are introduced into the strata underfl'ligh superatmospheric pressures. Such packing elements will also prevent the passage of fluid upwardly ordownwardly from or to such strata through the 0 spaces between the well string and bore of the well. e A further object is to furnish well equipment in which expansible packing elements are combined with means for preventing either upward 55 or downward movement ofthe well string so that the packing elements will be held stationary during the pumping operations.

With the foregoing objects outlined and with other objects in view which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention vconsists in 5 the novel features hereinafter described in detail, illustrated in the accompanying drawings and more particularly pointed outin the appended claim. p

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is an elevation of my improved stop and anchoring mechanism shown in `position on a section of well string or tubing arranged in a well casing, the latter being shown in vertical section. l 15 Fig.2 is a similar view of a lock and packing means designed to be arranged on the well string or tubing immediately below the anchoring mechanism; the lock being adapted to be interconnected With,the anchoring mechanism so that 20 the stop, anchoring mechanism and lock all cooperate to produce certain results.

Figs. 3 and 4 are horizontal sectional views taken respectively on the lines 3-3 and 4-4 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 isan elevation partly in horizontal section of the sleeve of the anchoring mechanism.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged side elevation of a lug assembly which is arrangedl on the well string or tubing and cooperates with the sleeve of the anchoring mechanism.

Fig. 7 is a vertical sectional view of an improved packing means and valve structure. forming part Vof my novel well equipment and which may be used either with or without the stop, anchoring mechanism, lock or any combination ofv these elements.

Figs. 8, 9 and 10 are horizontal sectional views taken respectively on the lines 8 8, 9--9 and Ill- ID of Fig. 7.-

Fig. 11 is an enlarged verticall sectional view of a modification of one of the packing assemblies.

Fig. 12 is a top plan view of the same.

Figs. 13 and 14 are horizontal sectional views 45 taken respectively on the lines I3--I3 and I 4| 4 of Fig. 11.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2 ofthe drawings, it will be noted that the tubing catcher or well stringv stop (Fig. 1) can be of the type shown in 50 my Patent 1,646,756, dated August 30, 1927, and thetubing or well string lock- (Fig. 2) may be ofi-'the kind disclosed in my Patent 2,002,140, dated May 21, 1935. To facilitate `an understanding of the invention, I will rst briefly de- 55 scribe the tubing catcher or well string stop and in 'doing so use the same reference characters as employed in Figs. 1 to 6 inclusive of my Patent 1,640,756. f

I designates a. string of well tubing or the like and 2 a well casing. A wedge block or sleeve 6 is loosely mounted on the tubing and is normally held in an elevated position by spring legs 24 which rest on ledges 21 of a collar I5 that is also.

loosely mounted on the tubing.

Slips or dogs 2 I cooperate with the wedge block for locking it to the casing and when this occurs the tubing string can be supported by the wedge block.

The slips are arranged at the upper ends of reins I9 which have their lower ends plvotally connected to the sleeve I5, and the latter is yieldingly supported by bow springs I6 that are secured to the lower end portion of the collar I5 and frictionally engage the inner surface of the casing.

Mechanism, not illustrated in the present drawings but shown and described in Patent 1,640,756, is employed to release the lower ends of the legs 24 from the ledges 2'I to allow the wedge block to drop downwardly relatively to the sleeve I5 for the purpose of expanding the slips 2| into gripping engagement with the well casing. This is brought about either by accidental downward movement of the tubing string relatively to the casing or turning movement of the tubing string relatively to the collar I5, the lat-v ter being prevented from partaking of such turning movement by the bow springs I6.

'I'he tubing lock shown in Fig. 2, as before stated, may be like the lock shown in my Patent 2,002,140, and to facilitate an understanding of the present invention, I have designated the parts of the lock shown in Fig. 2 with the same reference numerals as used in said patent but have added the letter a in each instance. Here the `wedge block IIa is also loosely mounted o'n the tubing string and it tapers in a direction opposite that of the wedge block 6. In other words the small end of the wedge block IId` is uppermost instead of at the bottom of the block. 'I'he wedge block IIa is frictionally secured to the well casing by bow springs Ida, the upper ends of which are secured to the wedge block as shown at |5a. 'I'his wedge block also cooperates with slips |8a that lock the wedge block to the well casing to prevent upward movement of the wedge block and tubing string. The reins I'Ia of the slips have their upper ends pivotally connected at I9a to a sleeve |2a, and by suitable internal mechanism, not illustrated in the present drawings but illustrated andv described in Patent 2,002,140, relative movement of the slips Isa and the wedge block IIa is controlled.

In accordance with the present invention, anchoring mechanism is positioned on the tubing string 'between the catcher and the lock and this mechanisml may comprise a sleeve |00 provided externally with a, number of bow springs |0| having their upper ends secured to the sleeve at I 02. These springs frictionally engage the inner surface of the well casing to prevent turning of the sleeve.

In order that the anchoring mechanism may,

only guides the fingers |03 but it limits the outward movement of the lower ends of the bow springs I6 of the tubing catcher and it will be understood that in case one or more of the springs I 6 break, the bow springs I0| will act in their place, or if one of the springs |0| breaks, its function may be performed by one or more of the springs I6, and in this way the anchoring mechanism cooperates with the tubing catcher.

In order that the anchoring mechanism will not interfere with vertical or turning movement of the tubing string, required for controlling the tubing stop or tubing lock, the sleeve `|00 of the anchor is not only loosely mounted on the tubing string but it is provided -wlth an internal inverted L-shaped slot |08 that acts as a guide way for a lug 25a (Fig. 6) that radially projects from a ring 21a that can oscillate on the tubing string. This ring is conned against axial movement by stationary rings 28a and 29a fixed on the periphery of the tubing string. For the purpose of urging the lug 25a in a counter-clockwise direction, a coil spring 30a is housed within a groove in the upper surface of the ring 29a. One

end of the coil spring is secured to the loose ring 21a as shown at 3Ia and its other end is anchored to the fixed ring 29a at 32a. The fixed ring 28a is provided with an abutment'y or stop surface 33a adapted to engage the lug 25a and when the tubing is turned in a counter-clockwise direction, the lug 25a simply turns with the tubing and at this time it is travelling in the horizontal portion( at the upper end of the groove |08 of the anchor sleeve |00. When the lug reaches the vertical portion of the groove, due to the turning of the tubing, it will be understood, if the tubing is now-1owered relatively to the sleeve |00, the lug 25a will travel down the vertical portion of the groove. Afterwards if the tubing is turned in a clockwise direction, the fixed rings 28a and |00 will, of course, be moved upwardly or downwardly with the tubing string depending on the direction of movement of the latter.

At this point it may be stated that the structure shown in Fig. 6 is fully illustrated in Figs. 9 to 15 inclusive of my above-mentioned Patent 2,002,140 and is fully described in the specification of that patent.

For the purpose of causing the anchoring mechanism to cooperate with the tubing lock, the upper end of the sleeve |2a of the tubing lock is provided with upstanding rigid posts II0 that are secured to said sleeve as shown at I I. These posts slidably engage keeper guides or eyes ||2 arranged on the exterior of the anchor sleeve |00.

From the foregoingit will be understood that the anchoring mechanism forms an intermediate link between the tubing catcher or stop and the tubing lock and yet it does not interfere with the operation of the tubing for the purpose of setting or releasing either the catcher or the lock.

As the sleeves I5, |00 and |211, respectively, of the tubing catcher, anchoring mechanism and tubing lock are linked together to prevent relatve turning movement of these parts, it is evident that the friction springs lla of the lock can 75 do the work of the springs or I6, if necessaryin case of accident and, on the other hand, if one or more of the springs |4a should break the work of the broken spring will be accomplished by either or both of the springs |0| and I6.

My improved combined catcher, anchor and lock may be used, if desired, with a. conventional packer ||3 Fig. 2) which obstructs the space between the'tubing string and casing. I have devised, however, novel packing means especially designed to cooperate with the tubing catcher, anchor and lock or any of them, and such packing means is illustrated in Figs. '1 to 14 inclusive.

Referring to those figures, 200 and 20| designate expansible packing elements of the inilatible and deatible type and each of these elements may be in the form of a hollow ball made of a rubber lining 202 coated on its exterior with any suitable protecting means such as a coat 203of synthetic rubber or Thiokol.

Each ball surrounds an auxiliary or outer tube 204, the liner surface of which snugly engages the outer surface of a section 205 of the tubing string, and to prevent any leakage, clamping rings 206 and 201 engage the ends of the ball. The ring 206 clamps one end of each ball to the auxiliary tube, while the ring 201 clamps the opposite end of the ball to a casing 208, 209. These casings are reversed in reference to the expansible packing elements 200, 20| and the casing 208 is preferably arranged above its ball while the casing 209 is preferably arranged below its ball. This arrangement permits' a shot hole 2|0 or the like in oilV or gas-producing strata to be segregated from the bore of the well above and below the shot hole and consequently if treating acid or the like is introduced into the shot ho1e, it will be prevented by the expansible packing elements from coming in contact with the casings 208, 209 and other parts which are preferably made of metal. y

The casings or chambers 208, 209 are designed to contain sources or supplies of an expansible medium, such as dry ice. and after the tubing string has been lowered into the well', valves 2|| and 2|2 controlling ports 2|3 and 2|4 in the chambers can be opened to permit gas released from the gas-producing medium in the chamber, to enter the balls 200, 20| for the purpose of inflating the balls and causing them to form obstructions between the tubing string and the bore of the well. i

For the purpose of 4controlling the valves 2| and 2|2, each valve may be normally held in closed position by a coil spring 2|5. These springs surround the stems 2|6, 2|1 of the respective valves and one end of each spring may bear upon an end of the casing and its other end against an abutment 2|8 on the valve stem.

The valve stems are simultaneously operated to release gas from the chambers 200, 209 into the balls, by means of cam discs 2|9 and 220 (fixed to the section 205 of the tubing string) and this is accomplished when the tubing string is lowered relatively to the auxiliary tube 204.

As it will be necessary to deiiate the balls in order to raise the tubing string, each'of the chambers 208, 209 is provided with a release valve 22|, 222. Each of these valves is normally held seated by a spring 223 and one of the valve stems has a hook 224 at its outer end. Thesevalve stems cooperate with the cam discs 2|9 and 220, and when the cam discs are in certain positions and turned, cam surfaces on these discs will engage the stems of valves 22|, 222, and open the release valves. that the valves 2|| and 2|2 be held open so as to release gas not only from the balls into the chambers but from the chambers to the atmosphere, and consequently the discs 2| 9 and 220 are so arranged as to hold the valves 2|| and 2|2 open while the cam surfaces on the discs are actuating the valves 22|, 222, due to the turning movement of the discs by the well string. Each cam disc has a cut-out sector (Fig. l) 225 to permit the disc to clear a valve stem 224 when the tubing string is moved downwardly relatively to the auxiliary tube 204.

Each of the chambers 208, 209 is rigidly secured to the auxiliary tube 204 and in order to prevent' this auxiliary tube from moving during the manipulation of the tubing string for control purposes, the auxiliary tube 204 may be rigidly linked to the lower end of the lock wedge block I-Ia of Fig. 2. For example, a threaded sleeve 226 can rigidly connect the casing 208 to the flange 221 at the lower end of a sleeve 228 and the upper end of this sleeve can'be rigidly secured to the wedge block la of the tubing lock by any suitable means not shown. Perforations 229 in the collar 226, permit the escape of gas that is vented through the upper release valve 22|.

If desired, bow strings 230 can be positioned on the sleeve 226 to frictionally engage the bore of the well and prevent movement of the surrounding elements while the tubing string section 205 is being manipulated.

. In Figs. 11 to 14 inclusive, I have illustrated a much more practical form of the dry ice chamber and expansible element. For example, as shown in these figures, one end 23| of the casing may be of step formation to form an annular rabbet 232 to receive one end of the ball 233 and this end can be clamped to the stepped end of the casing by any suitable clamping means 234. The end 23| of the casing surrounds the auxiliary tube 204a. and a packing gasket 235 and packing gland 236 are used where the joint is located.

The body of the chamber in this example may consist of a. short section 231 of pipe, the ends of which will extend into annular grooves 238 and 239 in the end plates 23| and 240. Bolts 24| which pass through apertures in the end plates may be employed to hold the parts in assembled relation, and a packing gasket 242 and packing gland 243 can be used where the plate 240 surrounds the auxiliary tube.

For the purpose of permitting well iluid to readily flow into the tubing string while the tubing string in my equipment is being lowered into the well, the tubing string is preferably provided, as shown in Fig. '1, with a port 245 that may register with a. port 246 in the auxiliary tube 204. 'I'he auxiliary tube has a second lower port 241 positioned below the port 246 and at a point spa/ced about forty-five degrees from the port 246. Consequently when the tubing string is turned to set the tubing catcher or tubing lock or both of them, and the tubing is then lowered so as to lock the tubing against either downward or upward movement, the port 245 will be brought into register with the port 241 with the result that well fluid can then travel into the tubing string through the ports 241 and 245.

When the ports 245 and 241 are in registration, well fluid cannot only enter the tubing` string but treating agents or the like can be introduced into It is necessary at such time the well through the tubing string and even position of the tubing string, as the tubing stop and tubing lock will prevent upward or downward movement of the tubing string, and the expansible packing elements 200 and 20| will confine the treating medium to the shot hole or the like, and will prevent it from moving upwardly or downwardly in the bore of the well.

As it sometimes happens that liquid will gather in the well' above the packing means and interfere with the removal of the parts, I provide the tubing string with a second port 248 (Fig. 7) which is adapted to cooperate with a port 249 in the pipe 228. When the tubing string is lowered relatively to the auxiliary tube 204 without being turned, the ports 248 and 249 come into register and this permits liquid gathering in the well above the upper packing element 200 to be pumped up the well through the tubing string.

From the foregoing it will be understood that I have combined with a tubing string, a tubing stop or catcher, anchoring mechanism, a tubing lock and packing means al1 controlled by relative Imovement of the tubing string, and besides I have devised novel anchoring mechanism and packing means which may be used with or without one another and with or without either the tubing stop or tubing lock heretofore devised by me. If the improved packing means is employed in combination with the tubing-stop and lock, the tubing string will be locked against either upward or downward movement, and consequently the packing means will be held stationary and pressure conditions Within the well will not disturb the position of the tubing string.

For purposes of illustration, I have shown the well string as a string of tubing, but it is obvious that the stop or catcher, anchor, lock and packor a well string partially of rodding and partially of tubing.

While I have disclosed what I now believe to be preferred embodiments of the invention in such manner that the same may be readily understood by those skilled in the art, I am aware that changes may be made in the details disclosed Without departing from the spirit of the invention as expressed in the claim.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

In combination, a tubing string, means including elements engageable with the bore of a well for supporting the tubing string against downward movement, means controlled by movement f the tubing string relatively to the first-mentioned means for setting or releasing said supporting means, means including elements engageablefwith the bore of the Well for preventing upward movement of the well string, means controlled by movement of 'the tubing string relatively to the lastmentioned means for setting or releasing the upward movement preventing means, friction means operatively connected with the supporting means and the upward movement preventing means and constantly engaged with the well bore for holding the supporting means and upward movement preventing means against movement while the tubing string is moved relatively to those means for setting or releasing them, and linking means operatively connecting said supporting means and said upward movement preventing means.

STEPHEN V. DILLON. 

